if there are specific cultural requirements or sensitivities such as gender or ethnicity of the interpreter

if the provider is appropriately qualified (certified or recognised by the certifying body NAATI).

Please be aware:

Interpreters without NAATI credentials should only be used when the situation is an emergency and a qualified interpreter is unavailable. The potential for misinterpretation, addition of personal opinions or advice and/or misreading of language or cultural nuances is increased by using interpreters that are not qualified.

Bilingual/multilingual staff can support customers speaking their common languages, but they should not be used by agencies instead of qualified interpreters.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are unique to Queensland. Make sure that interpreters are qualified in Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages when using interstate language service providers.

Service providers

A Standing Offer Arrangement has been established for the provision of interpreting and translation services. This is a statewide whole-of-government arrangement available to all Queensland Government agencies and other eligible Queensland Government-funded service providers.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages interpreting

Telephone typewriter (TTY) services

What is single sign-on (SSO)?

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication process that allows you to access multiple services and applications with one username and password.

Last updated:

27 June 2018

National interpreter symbol

The National Interpreter Symbol is a national public information symbol developed as a joint partnership between Australian Commonwealth, state and territory governments. It provides a simple way of indicating where people can ask for language assistance.

Interpreter: A person who translates spoken messages, concepts and ideas from one language into another language (including sign language).

Translator: A person who transfers a written message from one language into another language.

Using translation technology

Don’t take the risk of using an online or off the shelf translation product. Make sure your information is correctly translated by using a NAATI certified provider.